Top Best Home Buys ~ Forest Hills Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 18, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Best Forest Hills Houses

( primarily in Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per

square foot.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The homes listed below are probably dated and would need

updating with new carpeting, paint, and kitchen- bath redos

at a minimum to bring them to current market standards.

They might need major repair work done, such as new roofs

& mechanicals.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

top best buys in forest hills mi homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, not the

basement, even if finished.

The list this month is 14 properties, same as last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $57.90 to $73.78

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $57,900 and the highest list price is

$236,537 for May 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

8195 45th St SE $134,500 2193 SqFt $61.33/SqFt

4198 Knapp Ct NE $ 57,900 1200 SqFt $57.90/SqFt

6600 Cascade Rd $104,900 1788 SqFt $58.67/SqFt

6461 Cascade Rd SE $139,900 2023 SqFt $69.15/SqFt

378 Pettis Ave SE $ 79,900 1300 Sq Ft $61.46/SqFt

2049 Rowland #4 $ 69,900 1150 SqFt $60.78/SqFt

1417 Grand River Dr $ 89,900 1248 Sq Ft $72.04/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville SE $104,900 1536 Sq Ft $68.29/SqFt

3150 Hayward Dr SE $189,900 2574 Sq Ft $73.78/SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr $194,900 3200 Sq Ft $72.72/SqFt

3413 Dean Lake NE $ 79,900 1626 SqFt $60.26/SqFt

5610 Ada Drive SE $159,000 2437 Sq Ft $65.24/SqFt

6250 Architrave St $ 99,998 1814 Sq Ft $73.74/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks Ct $236,537 3453 Sq Ft $68.50/SqFt

If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills

Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Free Forest Hills MI Activities ~ National Senior Health & Fitness Day ~ Wed May 27th 2009

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

National Senior Health & Fitness Day May 27th, 2009

Is it true that the words free and seniors just go together? As I edge ever

closer to this category, it certainly seems so to me. At the very least,

a free event should be well attended in this economy. If you find yourself

available next Wednesday, here’s a couple of free options for education

and entertainment:

National Senior Health & Fitness Day Wednesday, May 27

Special Activities at Ada Park 9:00 – 3:00 Free

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 9:00 – 3:00 Free

Healthy Living Lecture Series – by St Mary’s Health Center

Alternatives to Medication 10-10:45 am

Feeling Over-medicated? 11:00-11:45 am

Healthy Living 101 12:00-12:45 pm

Staying Sharp 1:00-1:45 pm

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep 2:00-2:45 pm

Also: Vital Health Screenings and Neck Massages, Door Prizes

Kick off Fitness Walk begins at 8:30 am

100,000 adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations

throughout the U.S. as we celebrate the 16th annual

National Senior Health & Fitness Day.

The common goal for this day: to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.

Come on out to Ada Park or Forest Hills Fine Arts Center to take part in a

series of guided activities and presentations to promote your health.

Or just come out to any of our local parks for some fresh air and exercise.

Contact the Park office for details; 616-676-0520, adaparks@ada.mi.us

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Arts in Ada Festival ~ May 16th 2009

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Arts in Ada Michigan Festival ~ May 16th 9 am to 4 pm

Event will be held on Bronson Street from the Covered Bridge

to Ada Drive Directly in front of historic Ada Town Hall

Hosted by the Ada Council for the Arts

Music, Dance, and activities are planned all day

Artists will sell their creations, including stained glass, jewelry,

photography, paintings, and pottery.

Live entertainment will be provided
Food will be available

While you are in Ada, it would be a great time to check out the

boutiques and specialty shops here. We have unique stores with

unusual items.

These photos are from Art in Ada 2008 – last year’s event.

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Free “Kansas” Rock Concert ~ Fifth Third Ball Park ~ June 6, 2009

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Local sponsors have a treat for classic rock fans in Grand Rapids this spring.

June 6th, 2009, Kansas, the rock band will perform at the park and entry is

free. They are charging $5 for parking, so get your friends, and car pool!

You won’t need a ticket, it is general admission. Gates open at 5 pm, so get

there early to get a good seat.

Good news, they are allowing cameras, binoculars and cell phones.

No video cameras and recording devices.

So come on out to Comstock Park’s Fifth Third Ball Park and ROCK OUT

Saturday June 6th.

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Information from Whitecaps Fifth Third Ball Park

A Night at The Griffins Play Off Game

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We are so fortunate to have several minor league teams here in Grand Rapids

Michigan. We have baseball with the West Michigan Whitecaps, arena

football with the Grand Rapids Rampage, basketball with The Grand Rapids

Flight, and last, but not least, is the Grand Rapids Ice Hockey team,

The Griffins.

The Griffins have won the IHL Joseph Turner Memorial Cup runner up in 2000

and the Fed A Huber Trophy ( regular season champion) 2001. This year they

are in the Playoffs again. We are all rooting for our home team, and there is

some real talent to found here. The Griffins are affiliated with the Detroit Red

Wings, not exactly unknown in the hockey arena.

Here is a few shots of the recent play-off game I attended against The

Hamilton Bulldogs. I was a guest of Arbor Mortgage, thanks guys!

Not quite sure how The Griffins took a 3-0 lead into 4-3 loss but oh, well,

that’s hockey! Unfortunately, The Griffins didn’t win the Calder Cup Playoffs

this year.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beq3bB30Gjs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Roselle Park at Flood Stage Ada Michigan

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We took a drive along the Grand River last week and took in some

local sites. The Grand River was a full flood stage and it changed the

scenery in a few places. This short video was taken at Roselle Park

in Ada Township Michigan. This park is a 274 acre natural preserve

right on the banks of the Grand River. It normally has some swampy

areas, but nothing like the scenes in the video. Usually you have to

walk about 100 yards to get close to the river.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK_Nw-cp5VI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]

Since we didn’t bring our wading boots, we stayed near the entrance and

just shot our video. We will go back and photograph the park without

water soon.

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Top Best Buy Homes ~ Grand Rapids Township Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 7, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Grand Rapids Township Houses

to buy based on price per square foot. An added bonus, these

Grand Rapids Township Homes are in East Grand Rapids or

Forest Hills Public School system. If you are new to the Grand Rapids

area, Grand Rapids Township taxes are lower than East Grand Rapids,

Grand Rapids, or Ada Township.

**Please note that this list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market. Check

back often or just subscribe to our blog to get up-to-date local

real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Grand Rapids Township:

Lowest price per Sq Ft $54.68

Highest price per Sq Ft $100.32

May 2009 BEST BUY GR Township Homes

Highest list price is $ 140,000

Lowest list price is $ 61,900

Top Best Buy GR Township Homes by Price per Square Foot:

4198 Knapp Ct $ 61,900 1200 SqFt $ 61.90/SqFt

3413 Dean Lake Ave $79,900 1626 Sq Ft $60.26/SqFt

3182 Windcrest Dr $ 89,900 847 SqFt $106.14/SqFt

3392 Eagle Ridge Ct $109,000 1450 SqFt $124.43/SqFt

222 Elmer St $109,900 1600 SqFt $112.03/SqFt

1390 Suncrest Dr $114,000 1559 SqFt $118.87/SqFt

2056 Galahad St $114,900 1500 SqFt $ 95.75/SqFt

3143 Windcrest Dr $114,900 1049 SqFt $109.53/SqFt

68 Elmhurst Dr $119,900 1322 SqFt $119.90/SqFt

30 Robinhood Dr $119,900 1124 SqFt $122.35/SqFt

1874 Leffingwell $119,900 1650 SqFt $80.47/SqFt

3500 Vineyard Ave $124,900 1347 SqFt $113.55/SqFt

242 Ivanhoe Ave $124,900 1368 SqFt $91.30/SqFt

1787 Park Trail NE $129,900 1600 SqFt $81.19/SqFt

1789 Grand Ct NE $129,900 1600 SqFt $81.19/SqFt

3430 Eagle Creek Ct $129,900 1350 SqFt $160.77/SqFt

943 Patterson Ave $ 129,900 1480 SqFt $110.55/SqFt

2161 New Town Dr $137,000 1057 SqFt $129.61/SqFt

3299 Park Ridge Ln $137,900 1600 SqFt $ 86.19/SqFt

1150 Farnsworth $139,450 1600 SqFt $157.75/SqFt

3333 Park Ridge Ln $139,500 1600 SqFt $ 87.19/SqFt

1039 Eastmont Dr $139,900 1848 SqFt $133.49/SqFt

1024 Kenmoor $139,900 1144 SqFt $122.29/SqFt

4382 Knapp Ct NE $140,000 1368 SqFt $102.34/SqFt

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you have questions about Grand Rapids Township or Grand

Rapids homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Photo of Frederick Meijer Gardens Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Wyoming Michigan Ranch ~ Pending Sale

Posted on May 6, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We are definitely seeing signs of the

local real estate market heating up.

This all brick ranch located in Wyoming Michigan

off 52nd Street between The Pines Golf Course

and L E Kaufman Golf Course is officially a pending

sale. It has been listed a week today.

It is located on .85 acres of land and has 1500+

square feet of finished living area. A large deck,

two stall garage, outdoor storage building, and fully

fenced back yard.

We always have new listings coming up and have

buyers waiting for the right home to be placed on

the market.

If you would like to purchase a new home, ask about

the $8000 First Time Buyer’s Tax Credit that Uncle Sam

is handing out in 2009. It could be available to you.

Contact me:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Just How Much Will that New Bathroom Cost Me??

Posted on May 6, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Just How Much Will that New Bathroom Cost Me??

bu Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

It is spring and the home improvement train is chugging along.

Especially for people that are staying in their home, by choice

or economic necessity. A home improvement project can be top on

the list of things to do. So, how do you determine if it is a

cost that is reasonable for your budget or even a smart thing

to do? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a ball park figure before

you call the contractor.

As usual, the web is here to help you.

HGTV has a Local Cost estimator for home improvement projects

that will estimate a project in your local area. Costs do vary by

location, so remember this is just a guess-timate. If you want

marble tile or $500 faucets, the cost of your new bath can

escalate quickly.

Here is another site that might be helpful in your process of

home improvement decisions. The DIY Network has a remodeling

Budget Estimator that covers frequently asked questions. It

is always helpful to get as much information as possible to aid

in your decision making process.

Viewing these home improvements from a Realtor’s viewpoint,

some projects will make your home more attractive but will they

make it more valuable to a buyer? Check out Realtor Magazine’s

Cost vs Value 2008 Report

to see if that new bath will add to the value of your home before

you spend your hard earned money.

It might be worth while to you as a family no matter what the

payback if you sell your home in the future. It might not, too.

For example, if you know that your job will probably be

transferred in a year or two, do you really want to put $40K in

a new bathroom? Will you get any payback for this when you

sell?

The Top Five Remodeling Project Paybacks:

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)

2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)

3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)

4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)

5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%

Exterior projects that improve curb appeal are leading the list.

What will your home improvement project be this summer?

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public Schools 2009 Update

Posted on May 6, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan – Home to a Growing Public School District

We just received the Superintendant’s News Letter with all the Forest

Hills Public School news. Of course, there was talk of budget challenges

and difficult times. Even school districts that are well-funded, like Forest

Hills Public, are having budget issues because of state funding reductions.

Forest Hills is focused on student education, and is still reducing

administrative overhead. 76.7% of the school budget is spent on

classroom and instructional support.

2009 Forest Hills School News:

3 Teachers recognized on state & national levels for excellence
Conserved 1.9 million in reduced energy costs
ALL Forest Hills Schools receive Green Certificates
Received David D Smith Award for Environmental Stewardship
Growing enrollment while 80% of Michigan districts are declining
2007 Bond Issue allows investment in infrastructure
10,100+ students, 2nd in size in Kent County, 23rd largest in

Michigan, out of 552

2009 Student MEAP Scores Highest in Michigan

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: May 2009

Top Best Home Buys ~ Forest Hills Michigan ~ May 2009

Free Forest Hills MI Activities ~ National Senior Health & Fitness Day ~ Wed May 27th 2009

Arts in Ada Festival ~ May 16th 2009

Free “Kansas” Rock Concert ~ Fifth Third Ball Park ~ June 6, 2009

A Night at The Griffins Play Off Game

Roselle Park at Flood Stage Ada Michigan

Top Best Buy Homes ~ Grand Rapids Township Michigan ~ May 2009

Wyoming Michigan Ranch ~ Pending Sale

Just How Much Will that New Bathroom Cost Me??

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public Schools 2009 Update

Forest Hills Michigan – Home to a Growing Public School District

2009 Forest Hills School News: